Placer County Sewer Pipeline Project Postponed Due to Recent Rain


Published on October 02, 2014

A 320-foot span of 14” sewer pipeline under Highway 49, near the intersection of New Airport Road, will be repaired during nighttime work that will begin on October 19th and continue for ten consecutive nights. Recent rain has resulted in the need to postpone the construction start date. Construction dates are subject to change as the weather becomes more unpredictable. The community will be kept informed in the event of future changes to the schedule.

Placer County’s Environmental Utilities staff identified the deteriorated section of pipe during routine video inspections performed earlier this year.

The pipeline, which runs under Highway 49 in North Auburn, conveys approximately two thirds of the Sewer Maintenance District 1 (North Auburn) sewer flows to the County’s wastewater treatment plant on Joeger Road.

The repair project will prevent potential structural failure of the trunk line, which would result in interrupted service, possible environmental issues, and traffic delays on Highway 49.

The repair will be made using a trenchless method. Two pits will be excavated; one at the intersection of Highway 49 and New Airport Road, the other between New Airport Road and the railroad bridge. A cure-in-place pipe liner will be pulled through the damaged section of pipe, essentially creating a pipe within a pipe. The repaired pipeline will have an expected lifespan of more than 30 years.

This cost-effective method of repair eliminates the need to excavate the entire section of damaged pipe and minimizes disruption to nearby businesses and daytime traffic.

The following can be expected during the course of the project:

  • Work will occur between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday and between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., Friday and Saturday.
  • Traffic control will be implemented to reduce northbound traffic to one lane during the nightwork hours.
  • Large trucks and equipment will be in the roadway.Pedestrian detours will be implemented in the project area.
  • All driveways and intersections in the project area will remain accessible for the duration of the project.

For more information on this project, call Robin Mahoney, P.E, Associate Civil Engineer, Placer County Environmental Utilities at 530-886-4929 or visit the Sewer Services page.